A recent trip to a local coffee shop franchise, proved more frustrating than refreshing. Liquid refreshment in the form of an early morning eye-opening, heavenly aroma of fresh brewed coffee, a more vivid memory in my dream, in comparison to what had just crossed my palate. If a beverage, any beverage is perfectly pleasing to a palate, a few neccessities are essential, however, one might be able to overlook some of the mandatory requirements, should the service received be exceptional and the chosen beverage either be piping hot or icy cold.
Sadly, my idea of a great way to start the day, was just that; an idea that beckoned the tired body to arise, shower, primp in record time, head out the door, the early morning sunrise absolutely gorgeous and the landscape awash in a refreshing, sparkling dew. Closing my eyes for a moment, fresh brewed scent of just ground hot coffee tickling my senses, or at least the expectation was creating this vision, however, in one brief moment.....it was lost!
Trying to analyze what had just occurred and the reason for my disappointment, I was hit with the disturbing thought of a society moving towards acceptance of anything, just because it can. As a throw away society, we just replace it with something else, if not perfect, well then move on. What happen to trying to be the very best, producing the very best and excepting nothing less than the very best or at least the very best effort in trying to create or produce something....ANYTHING!
As the fear of mediocrity tries to make its very best attempt at overtaking my being, my mind senses a battle on the very near horizon, between excellence and just so so.. Excellence of course is just that, excellent. So-so or mediocre on the other hand, more harmful or injurious in nature, simmering, brewing and at the precise moment, the take over occurs. Those that have accepted mediocrity, fail to admit status quo, excuses for the behaviors and finger pointing are now the norm, we throw it away and try something else.
Daunting as it may sounds, are we becoming a sloth like society? With technology evolving faster, we rely on machines. Instead of speaking, the younger generation prefers social media, earbuds firmly implanted, eye contact is no longer necessary, many uneasy at the prospect of speaking to someone they have just met. Case in point, my early morning search for a refreshing fresh-brewed coffee: "sugar extra cream please," a sigh, followed by an unsettling pause, my young friend is now staring at the computer screen seemingly confused, no conversation begins, I wait. About forty five seconds pass, and as if mesmerized by the computer screen, my young friend, without eye movement from the screen and an irritating lack of social skills, begins; "what do you want?" A patient person, repeating my order, realization smacks me upside the head, someone has no idea where the buttons are....could be a long wait!
Sadly, my idea of a great way to start the day, was just that; an idea that beckoned the tired body to arise, shower, primp in record time, head out the door, the early morning sunrise absolutely gorgeous and the landscape awash in a refreshing, sparkling dew. Closing my eyes for a moment, fresh brewed scent of just ground hot coffee tickling my senses, or at least the expectation was creating this vision, however, in one brief moment.....it was lost!
Trying to analyze what had just occurred and the reason for my disappointment, I was hit with the disturbing thought of a society moving towards acceptance of anything, just because it can. As a throw away society, we just replace it with something else, if not perfect, well then move on. What happen to trying to be the very best, producing the very best and excepting nothing less than the very best or at least the very best effort in trying to create or produce something....ANYTHING!
As the fear of mediocrity tries to make its very best attempt at overtaking my being, my mind senses a battle on the very near horizon, between excellence and just so so.. Excellence of course is just that, excellent. So-so or mediocre on the other hand, more harmful or injurious in nature, simmering, brewing and at the precise moment, the take over occurs. Those that have accepted mediocrity, fail to admit status quo, excuses for the behaviors and finger pointing are now the norm, we throw it away and try something else.
Daunting as it may sounds, are we becoming a sloth like society? With technology evolving faster, we rely on machines. Instead of speaking, the younger generation prefers social media, earbuds firmly implanted, eye contact is no longer necessary, many uneasy at the prospect of speaking to someone they have just met. Case in point, my early morning search for a refreshing fresh-brewed coffee: "sugar extra cream please," a sigh, followed by an unsettling pause, my young friend is now staring at the computer screen seemingly confused, no conversation begins, I wait. About forty five seconds pass, and as if mesmerized by the computer screen, my young friend, without eye movement from the screen and an irritating lack of social skills, begins; "what do you want?" A patient person, repeating my order, realization smacks me upside the head, someone has no idea where the buttons are....could be a long wait!
